HDEV (UNIV) 1210: Academic Success and Personal Development

HDEV (UNIV) 1210-Academic Success and Personal Development is a graded course designed to help students improve reading efficiency, executive functioning and lifelong learning skills.

Lengthy, challenging textbook assignments demand strong critical reading skills; cumulative exams require organized, thorough study methods. The better your executive functioning and study skills, the more effective and efficient your efforts. As you become more effective as a learner, you will find your whole college experience becoming more satisfying and more successful.

We have what you need....

  • An approach to studying that builds on your individual strengths 

  • Time management skills that will help you to reach your academic goals and still have time for everything else 

  • Strategies for reading efficiently with deeper comprehension 

  • Techniques for improving concentration and memory 

  • A system for taking and using class notes 

  • Test preparation procedures and test taking strategies to help you learn, recall, and apply what you've learned 

  • Methods for organizing your desk, your notebook, your planner... your life! 

Specialized Sections

In addition to the general sections, there are two specialized sections of HDEV (UNIV) 1210 for transfer students and students with learning differences. The specialized sections include the college-level learning strategies common to all HDEV 1210 courses with additional strategies based on the section. 

The transfer section allows transfer students to meet together in a class to build a community of learners. Students engage in assignments that allow them to work together and gain knowledge about campus resources. 

The section for students with learning differences is taught by the learning specialist who coaches students within our Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies team.  The course focuses on making the learning strategies taught in HDEV (UNIV) 1210 seamlessly work with each student’s learning needs. 

Fall and spring classes meet two times weekly for the length of the term.  

Enroll during registration (see "HDEV" or "UNIV" for classes starting in fall 2024 in the schedule of classes). For more information about Academic Success and Personal Development, email rebecca@smu.edu. 


STUDY SMARTER, NOT HARDER!